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WVAS Local

Bill Affecting High School Drop Out Age

Montgomery, Alabama – (AP) - A bill to raise the age when students inAlabama can drop out of school from 16 to 17 has neared finalpassage in the Alabama Legislature. The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Arthur Orr of Decaturpassed the House 91-3 Tuesday night. The bill was amended in the House to include language that wouldrequire 17-year-olds to get parental permission to drop out. Thebill returns to the Senate because of changes by the House. Some House members expressed concern it would cost the statemore than $1 million a year for the 16-year-olds to stay in school.But Democratic Rep. Thad McClammy of Montgomery said it would bemore expensive if the dropouts ended up in prison.